Word Processing Skills

Computing | Year 3 | Unit Overview

Introduction
This is the third word processing unit, following the units in Years 1 and 2, aimed at teaching basic word-processing skills to children. In this
unit, children will learn to use various features for formatting text. The Lesson Pack contains six Lesson Plans, each with their own Lesson
Presentation, alongside a home learning task, challenge cards, posters and help cards. The first lesson, which is intended to be used at the start
of the school year, focuses on some important computer skills and introduces children to screenshots and the Snipping Tool, and secure use
of passwords.

Assessment Statements
By the end of this unit...

...all children should be able to:

• Use undo and redo.
Health & Safety • Make text bold, italic or underline.
Children should be encouraged to have good posture and sit up at the • Select text in different ways.
computer.
• Change case.
• Align text.

...most children will be able to:

• Select single words.
• Cut, copy and paste text.
• Format the font.
Home Learning • Insert images.
Passwords and Screenshots: Children will further their skills by using • Copy a screenshot into another application.
the passwords and screenshots activity sheet. By talking to family, they • Use a secure password.
will learn various different techniques to create a secure password. • Use <ctrl> keyboard shortcuts.
As an extension, they will then create a presentation using learnt
computing skills to show how they can complete certain activities using
representative screenshots.
...some children will be able to:
• Select text in different ways.
Word Processing Skills: Looking at shortcuts in particular, children will • Format images.
reinforce their learning by using as many shortcuts as possible for a set
task. The suggested task is to type up a family favourite recipe using as
• Use an effective layout.
many shortcuts as possible for reinforced learning. • Use the Snipping Tool.
• Use bullets and numbering effectively.
• Insert and format text boxes effectively.

To look at all the resources in the Word Processing Skills unit click here.
To find out more about PlanIt download our free guide here.

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Lesson Breakdown Resources

1. Screenshots and Passwords • Desktop computers or laptops

Use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly. Children

will revise basic computer skills from the previous units and
learn to use effective passwords and take screenshots.
• I can use basic computer skills.

2. Change Case • Desktop computers or laptops

• Word processor
Select, use and combine a variety of software (including
• A visualiser or webcam to show
internet services) on a range of digital devices to design
the keyboard on screen.
and create a range of programs, systems and content that
accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing,
evaluating and presenting data and information.
Teachers may choose their own context for the content of
the writing, but it could relate to the current topic. The lesson
focuses on the specific typing and layout skills.
• I can change the case of text.

3. Align Text • Desktop computers or laptops

• Word processor
Select, use and combine a variety of software (including
• A visualiser or webcam to show
internet services) on a range of digital devices to design
the keyboard on screen.
and create a range of programs, systems and content that
accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing,
evaluating and presenting data and information.
Teachers may choose their own context for the content of
the writing, but it could relate to the current topic. The lesson
focuses on the specific layout skills.
• I can align text.

4. Bullets and Numbering • Desktop computers or laptops

• Word processor
Select, use and combine a variety of software (including
• A visualiser or webcam to show
internet services) on a range of digital devices to design
the keyboard on screen.
and create a range of programs, systems and content that
accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing,
evaluating and presenting data and information.
Teachers may choose their own context for the content of
the writing, but it could relate to the current topic. The lesson
focuses on the specific typing and layout skills.
• I can use bullets and numbering.

5. Advanced Select and Keyboard Shortcuts • Desktop computers or laptops

• Word processor
Select, use and combine a variety of software (including
• A visualiser or webcam to show
internet services) on a range of digital devices to design
the keyboard on screen.
and create a range of programs, systems and content that
accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing,
evaluating and presenting data and information.
Teachers may choose their own context for the content of
the writing, but it could relate to the current topic. The lesson
focuses on the specific typing and layout skills.
• I can use the <ctrl> key.

6. Using Text Boxes and Text Wrap • Desktop computers or laptops

• Word processor
select, use and combine a variety of software (including
• A visualiser or webcam to show
internet services) on a range of digital devices to design
the keyboard on screen.
and create a range of programs, systems and content that
accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing,
evaluating and presenting data and information.
Teachers may choose their own context for the content of
the writing, but it could relate to the current topic. The lesson
focuses on the specific typing and layout skills.
• I can insert and format text boxes.

To look at all the resources in the Word Processing Skills unit click here. National Curriculum Aim Lesson Context Child Friendly

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